Best gaming PCs under $800 - September 2023
Gaming PCs are one of the best and most popular ways to enjoy high-end gaming. They allow you to play all your favorite games at their highest settings, creating the best gaming experience possible. The best of them can even handle VR gaming, making them perfect for those who love immersive experiences as well as traditional titles.
When it comes to PC gaming, $800 can buy you a destroyer of a PC. While $800 is more than enough to buy a good computer, not every computer listed for $800 is good, so it is crucial to know what parts in a computer you should expect within such a budget. Don't know much about gaming PCs? Don't worry, in this article, we will only include the ones that are worth your money! 😀
Before starting, I would like to mention that we have very similar articles where we discuss the best prebuilt gaming PCs for budgets $600, and $1000.
Our Top Picks
Skytech Blaze II - i3-10105F | GTX 1650
- Check PriceHP Pavilion - i3-10100 | GTX 1650 SUPER
- Check PriceHP Victus - Ryzen 5 5600G | 1660 SUPER
- Check Price
How We Choose Gaming PCs
When it comes to choosing a gaming PC, we understand the importance of getting the best bang for your buck. The market is flooded with PCs that claim to be good gaming machines, but many of them don't offer the performance you need to play high-end games. (We are talking about the "Gaming PCs" that come with GTX 1030, which is just an insult to a modern graphics card.)
We do a lot of research in order to understand the market value and performance of all the components that make up a gaming pc. We look through as many websites as possible in order to find the best deals on each component and make sure that when you purchase from us, you get a machine that's built to last.
We pay attention to reviews from previous buyers and gamers alike in order to make sure that we're offering you an honest representation of what these machines are capable of.
How We Test Gaming PCs
Our testing philosophy is simple: we do a lot of research on how components in the computers perform on tests and game benchmarks. We look for possible bottlenecks that could happen between various computer components while also trying to consider the performance of each component.
We try our best with what we have, considering that we don't buy most of the computers that we recommend; many other companies and websites claim to buy all of the computers, but that is just a lie, and we all know it.
What to Expect in a $800 Prebuilt Gaming PC
If you're looking for value, prebuilt gaming PCs are not for you.
Prebuilt computers are not about price—they're about convenience. Many people don't want to put together their own computer from scratch, so they go with something that's already assembled. But being cheap doesn't mean being priced well.
If you're buying a $800 prebuilt PC, you have to remember that besides the parts and labor costs, the companies need to make a profit on top of what they spend on building the PC. For this reason, we always recommend building your own gaming system.
We're here to help steer you clear of companies that clearly overprice their computers in hopes of making up for it in volume. We've done the research, so we know which companies offer good value at low prices and which ones might try to take advantage of your ignorance by charging exorbitant rates for subpar computers.
Here are some guidelines of what you should expect for the components:
Processor (CPU)
In such a price range, one should expect to get CPUs that are a generation or two behind the newest ones. For Intel CPUs, that means that you're looking at 10th and 11th gen CPUs from i3-10100 to something like i5-11400.
Graphics Card (GPU)
Graphics cards are not cheap, meaning that the GPU that you will get at such a price range will definitely not allow you to max out the settings at 4k resolution. Most computers in such a price range have a GTX 1650. As the GPU prices fall, it would be nice to see computers with GTX 1660 or even the newest low-end graphics cards such as the RTX 3050.
Memory (RAM)
For the memory, one should preferably look for a gaming pc with 16GB of memory, but that is not always the option. Some companies offer 8GB of RAM but include more storage space. Another critical detail to look for is the speed of the RAM; 3000mhz is a good target. In the worst-case scenario, upgrading/adding more RAM to your gaming system is one of the easiest and cheapest things to do, so don't worry too much about it.
Storage (SSD/HDD)
When talking about storage, the only critical factor of a new gaming PC is that it has to have an SSD. Just like RAM, some companies offer more storage in exchange for 8GB of memory, but the essential factor is that the system must have an SSD.
The best Prebuilt Gaming PCs under $800
Skytech Blaze II - i3-10105F | GTX 1650
- Check PriceHP Pavilion - i3-10100 | GTX 1650 SUPER
- Check PriceHP Victus - Ryzen 5 5600G | 1660 SUPER
- Check PriceHP Pavilion - Ryzen 3 5300G | RX 5500
- Check PriceHP Pavilion - Ryzen 5 3500 | GTX 1650 Super
- Check PriceSkytech Blaze 3.0 - i3-10100F | GTX 1650
- Check PriceiBUYPOWER Pro - Ryzen 3 3100 | GTX 1650
- Check PriceSkytech Cronos Mini - i3-10100F | GTX 1650
- Check PriceHP Pavilion - i5-11400F | GTX 1650
- Check PriceOMEN 25L - Ryzen 5 5600X | RX 5500
- Check PriceIPASON - i3-12100F | GTX 1650
- Check Price
- Skytech Blaze II - i3-10105F | GTX 1650
Biggest Pro - Currently on sale
Biggest Con - None
The SkyTech Blaze 3.0 is the ultimate gaming PC for beginners to intermediate-level gamers looking to upgrade their rig. This computer comes with an Intel i3-10105F CPU and 16GB DDR4 3000 RAM to provide you with excellent performance for any game. The 500GB SSD offers plenty of storage space, so you don't have to worry about running out of space anytime soon.
This computer also comes with an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 graphics card that will allow you to play all of your favorite games at medium settings without experiencing any lag or stuttering. You can connect your monitor using the HDMI or DisplayPort ports on the back panel, which are both included.
The case has been designed using an aluminum body that gives this desktop a modern look while also providing excellent durability over time, thanks in part to its metal construction which makes it lightweight yet strong enough to withstand daily use without breaking down anytime soon.
- HP Pavilion - i3-10100 | GTX 1650 SUPER
Biggest Pro - Great Pricing
Biggest Con - You don't have to spend a fortune to get great performance.
This HP Pavilion is only $600, but it packs a punch. With the intel core i3-10100 processor, you're getting a CPU that's more than capable of handling your daily tasks. And with the GTX 1650 SUPER graphics card, you can play games and watch movies without any hiccups.
The 8GB 2666 RAM is not amazing, but enough for the average workload—and the 256GB SSD gives you plenty of space for all your files and programs.
- HP Victus - Ryzen 5 5600G | 1660 SUPER
Biggest Pro - Great Performance
Biggest Con - None
If you're looking for a high-end gaming PC that can handle anything, look no further. The HP Victus is the most powerful PC on this list, and it's currently on sale. This baby has a Ryzen 5 5600G processor, 1660 SUPER graphics card, 8GB of 3200Mhz memory, and 256GB SSD storage capacity.
This thing has everything you need in one package: excellent performance, sleek design, and affordability.
- HP Pavilion - Ryzen 3 5300G | RX 5500
Biggest Pro - Great Price
Biggest Con - None
This HP Pavilion comes with the Ryzen 3 5300G processor, which is capable of handling most tasks you throw its way. The Radeon RX 5500 is a decent graphics card for gaming on a budget. It's not going to be able to handle anything intense (4k gaming). Still, you can play games like Fortnite or League of Legends without any issues.
The 8GB of RAM should be plenty for most people who don't have too many apps open at once. The 512GB SSD will allow you to boot up Windows quickly and load apps quickly as well.
- HP Pavilion - Ryzen 5 3500 | GTX 1650 Super
Biggest Pro - Powerful CPU
Biggest Con - Currently only 1 left in stock
This HP Pavilion configuration is a great choice for anyone who wants a powerful gaming PC that won't break the bank. It has a 1650 Super graphics card, and it comes with 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD—all at a very reasonable price point.
This gaming pc is built with an AMD Ryzen 5 3500 processor, which is ideal for gamers who want to play games like Fortnite or Apex Legends on low settings without experiencing lag. The processor also makes this PC capable of running intensive applications like Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop without slowing down.
- Skytech Blaze 3.0 - i3-10100F | GTX 1650
Biggest Pro - Perfectly Balanced Gaming PC
Biggest Con - None
The Skytech Blaze 3.0 is a powerful gaming PC that's great for both casual and more serious gamers alike. The Intel i3-10100F processor paired with the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 graphics card, 8GB of 3000 MHz RAM, and 500GB SSD will give you all the power needed to play your favorite games at stable frame rates while also allowing you to multitask with ease—making it a great choice for those who want to do more than just game on their PCs. The 600W power supply provides plenty of juice for this machine, so you won't have to worry about running out of power if you ever decide to upgrade some of the components.
- iBUYPOWER Pro - Ryzen 3 3100 | GTX 1650 |
Biggest Pro - Nice Looking PC
Biggest Con - None
The iBUYPOWER Pro is a great gaming PC for a beginner or someone who doesn't want to spend a lot of money. It comes with a Ryzen 3 3100 processor, GTX 1650 graphics card, 8GB RAM, and 480GB SSD. The Ryzen 3 3100 is an entry-level processor that can handle most games at 1080p resolution and medium settings.
The GTX 1650 is a mid-range graphics card that will handle most games at 1080p resolution and high/ultra settings. It also has 4GB GDDR5 VRAM, which means it will be able to play games with VR support without any issues.
The 8GB 3000MHz RAM is sufficient for playing most games today without any issues. Still, if you're playing AAA titles, then we recommend upgrading the RAM to 16GB so that you can have more headroom when running multiple applications simultaneously (e.g., streaming while gaming).
- Skytech Cronos Mini - i3-10100F | GTX 1650
Biggest Pro - Good pick for people who prefer small factor
Biggest Con - Smaller factor usually means worse ventilation
It's not easy to find a gaming PC that also has a minimalist design, but the Skytech Cronos Mini is just that. With its space-efficient chassis, you can fit this powerful gaming rig in any room of your home.
The Skytech Cronos Mini sports an Intel Core i3-10100F processor and GeForce GTX 1650 graphics card. It has 8GB of DDR4 RAM and a 500GB hard drive. This machine can handle most games on medium settings without breaking a sweat and will run smoothly for years to come.
- HP Pavilion - i5-11400F | GTX 1650
Biggest Pro - Powerful CPU
Biggest Con - None
If you're looking for a high-performance gaming laptop that doesn't break the bank, we've got you covered with this HP Pavilion. The i5-11400F and the GTX 1650 graphics card is perfect for medium-to-high settings on most modern games.
The 8GB of 2933 RAM lets you multitask easily, and 512GB of SSD storage means you can keep your files safe while still having room to store a lot of your favorite games.
- OMEN 25L - Ryzen 5 5600X | RX 5500
Biggest Pro - New Gen Ryzen CPU (Powerful)
Biggest Con - $50 over the budget
If you're looking to spend a little extra, this gaming pc is for you.
The OMEN 25L has a new generation Ryzen processor, which means it's super fast and powerful. And with an RX 5500 graphics card, you'll be able to play any game without worrying about lag or freezing.
It also comes with 8GB of RAM and 256GB SSD storage, so you'll have plenty of space for all your favorite games and movies.
- IPASON - i3-12100F | GTX 1650
Biggest Pro - New Gen Intel CPU and 16GB of RAM
Biggest Con - No credibility for the company/no reviews
If you're looking for a new gaming PC that won't break the bank, look no further.
This fantastic deal from IPASON comes with an i3-12100F CPU and a GTX 1650 GPU. It's the only PC that comes with 16GB ram, which means your gaming experience will be smoother than ever before!
It's also the first PC that comes with the new generation Intel CPU that we've seen at this price point. The new generation intel CPU means faster load times and more responsive gameplay.
Although use caution as IPASON is not a very well-known company, nor does it have many reviews to back it up.
Downsides of buying a Prebuilt Gaming PC:
Cheap components
It is no surprise that PC assemblers try to make the most money from their products. This means that some assemblers cut corners and use the cheapest PC parts available.
It is well known that many closed systems (no glass panel) will come with some cheap green motherboards and silver power supplies. While in most cases, using uglier components won't make much difference, it still hurts to buy a computer in 2021 that has parts that look a decade old.
When it comes to GPUs, it is often the case that you will get the cheapest models (1 fan GPU vs. a 3 fan RGB GPU). Some larger manufacturers (OEMs) design their own GPU heatsinks, which are often inferior to the ones that are directly sold on the market to the consumers. These inferior heatsink designs result in significantly higher idle PC temps (aka oven PCs).
Talking from personal experience, I once bought Acer's GX-785 prebuilt gaming PC, which had idle GPU temps of 80 °C. That is extremely hot, and any gaming load led to GPU throttling, which resulted in reduced gaming performance.
Future upgradability
While we try to avoid such computers, some manufacturers such as Dell design and use non-universal parts for their builds. For example, Dell often designs their motherboards that are neither ATX nor micro-ATX. Their PSUs are longer and thinner than most PSUs on the market.
Using such parts makes it harder to upgrade your PC in the future, which is a big no considering that gaming computers often carry hefty price tags.
If you want an example of such (hard to upgrade) PC, check out this amazing Gamer's Nexus YouTube video on the breakdown of Dell G5 5000 here.
Final Words
We fully understand the current struggle of finding or building a new gaming PC at the current GPU shortage crisis. The most important point that we want to stress to you is that you should NEVER EVER buy a gaming PC with GT 710, GT 730, or GT 1030. None of these GPUs are good enough to even comfortably play currently popular games.
We really hope that this article provided some help in finding your new gaming rig.
